The purpose of our church is summarized in a single phrase based on the Great Commission:

'Developing fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ'

"Jesus said, 'Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'" Matthew 28:19-20

PURPOSES

Worship: Our recognition of who God is and our lifestyle response to Him.

Fellowship: Our responsibility to love and serve one another within the Body of Christ.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16.

“who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” 1 Timothy 2:4

2. The church must be culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure.

“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ” Colossians 2:8.

“Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith. Grace be with you.” 1 Timothy 6:20-21

3. Christians should be authentic and continually growing in their relationship with God.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7

4. The church is a united community of servants who exercise their spiritual gifts in ministry with an attitude of love.

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:4-8

5. Every believer should be actively involved in ministry in his or her area of passion and giftedness.

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

6. Life change happens best in small groups and mentoring relationships.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

7. Excellence brings honor to God and inspires people.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

8. The church should be led by spiritually mature men and women with leadership gifts.

“Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.” Acts 6:3

9. Loving relationships should permeate every aspect of church life.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” John 13:34

“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” 1 John 3:18

10. At St. Mark, every member is a minister; every task is important.

AFFILIATION

We are affiliated with the Missionary Church, USA, and part of the North Central District, a family of churches located in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan.